Investors focused on the Aerospace space have likely heard of AeroVironment (AVAV Quick QuoteAVAV - Free Report) , but is the stock performing well in comparison to the rest of its sector peers? Let's take a closer look at the stock's year-to-date performance to find out.

AeroVironment is one of 39 individual stocks in the Aerospace sector. Collectively, these companies sit at #3 in the Zacks Sector Rank. The Zacks Sector Rank considers 16 different sector groups. The average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups is measured, and the sectors are listed from best to worst.

The Zacks Rank is a proven system that emphasizes earnings estimates and estimate revisions, highlighting a variety of stocks that are displaying the right characteristics to beat the market over the next one to three months. AVAV is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy).

Over the past 90 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for AVAV's full-year earnings has moved 11.42% higher. This is a sign of improving analyst sentiment and a positive earnings outlook trend.

Based on the latest available data, AVAV has gained about 15.82% so far this year. Meanwhile, the Aerospace sector has returned an average of 10.14% on a year-to-date basis. As we can see, AeroVironment is performing better than its sector in the calendar year.

Looking more specifically, AVAV belongs to the Aerospace - Defense Equipment industry, a group that includes 23 individual stocks and currently sits at #76 in the Zacks Industry Rank. Stocks in this group have gained about 7.47% so far this year, so AVAV is performing better this group in terms of year-to-date returns.

AVAV will likely be looking to continue its solid performance, so investors interested in Aerospace stocks should continue to pay close attention to the company.